New User Questions re downloading

[Nigecapri]

Hi Brent & the gang,
2.0 PINTO
From a very short test drive this looks to be the bests Capri upgrade since the rear axle location kit
I have what I think is mjlj version 2.0 copyrighted in 2003
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nige-d-smi ... rd%201.jpg
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nige-d-smi ... 20dark.jpg
(I thought it was v2.0.1 but the end bit might be some electrics )

I was getting some misfiring (noticeable at the strobe flash rather than the engine note) and timing flutter when revving. After a bit of intensive reading up I foil-shielded the sensor to edis wires and the edis to mjlj wires (apart from a few inches that go through the bulkhead) I've also made a new sensor bracket from 75mm x 7mm angle iron to replace the skinny 16mm x 3mm that had been made by the previous owner's mate. There's still an occasional flash that looks about 20 degrees after top dead center but again it's not noticeable just listening to the engine) but there's still some flutter in the timing when anywhere above 900 rpm.

Capri_Turbo suggested I upgrade to v3.0 that has the noise reduction included. I have the laptop all ready to go but when I try clicking the pages for v 2.0 -
2.1 Configuration Software
2.2 Controller Firmware
I only get versions 3.2.1 3.2.0 & 3.0.0 downloads.

I'm also not sure of the difference between firmware & software.
If someone could post a very basic step-by-step for newbies of the url for the download that will allow my laptop to work with the v 2.0 , and the url for the v3 upgrade that I need to put on my laptop to send to the mjlj, and any other downloads that I'll need (& why) and any other tips that would help then I would be over the moon.
We have a Capri meet this coming weekend at which I'm hoping to show off the new megajolt system to a guaranteed enthusiastic audience but I would like it running smoothly before I go (it's a long drive)

best regards,
Nigecapri

[Nigecapri]

I would also like a bit of advice on serial leads. I described the mjlj 9 pin female connector to the geek at Maplins and my laptop serial connection which is 9 pin male. I came home with a 9 pin male/female and also a 9 pin female/female along with a 9pin male/male plug that he said was a genderbender - something to do with crossed wires and nullmodem?????
A few pointers as to what end I should plug into where would simplify things, I'd hate to have my internet explorer running at ten degrees btdc!

Nigecapri.

[MartinM]

I posted a reply to your first point but it didn't stick

In simple terms, precis'ing what I said:
- Firmware is in the MJLJ
- Software is on your PC - the Configurator and the program you need to download the new firmware to the MJLJ
- For firmware updating, follow the instructions at:
http://www.autosportlabs.net/3.2.x/2.8. ... rade_guide
and report back when you get stuck!

For a lead, don't trust any geeks anywhere, let alone Maplins

You need a 9 pin female (for the PC end) to 9 pin male (for the MJLJ end) RS232 cable with all pins wired "straighthrough" ie pin1-pin1, pin2-pin2,...,pin9-pin9

(strictly speaking you don't need all 9, but that's the easiest type to find)

This is commonly known as a "keyboard/mouse extender" - type "rs232 extension" into eBay and you'll find loads of them.

Don't go anywhere near nullmodem cables - they will NOT work - or crossed cables (unless you have two of them in series, so that they uncross themselves!)

[Nigecapri]

So on the MJLJ v2.0 Downloads Page it's the V 2.8 firmware / 3.2 configuration software that I need, I've downloaded Controller firmware version 2.8 and TOOLS: Firmware Programming Software, but there's two PC Configuration programming softwares, neither refers to v2.0 or v2.8, they are 3.2.1 or 3.2.0 - I've downloaded both of these too but which one to use & do I delete the other or might it come in handy?
The hc08sprg is there but clicking it just gives a flicker or asks what programm I want to use to open it with- should it do anything or will one of the other bits operate it? Apologies for so many questions but I can't go online when I'm plugged into the car in the garage & I'd like a fair crack at getting it sorted without too many attempts.

Many thanks,
Nigecapri

[brentp]

Hello,

Based on your picture you have a V 2.x hardware controller. The firmware you want is v 2.8.0. Choosing the right firmware is covered in the guide that Martin posted a link to.

However, the V 2.8.0 firmware does not have the noise filtering you are referring to - that was done for the V3.x hardware. The primary reason is that the V2 MJLJ seemed to have better tolerance to noise than the V3, due to how the V3 detected the PIP signal emitted from the EDIS module.

But let's back up a bit- let's make sure we're solving the correct problem. The 'noise' that people discuss primarily manifests itself as RPM spikes while watching the PC Configuration software. Have you observed this?

You are probably aware that the engine will run with the MJLJ disconnected- but in a 'limp home' mode. Do you observe the same effect when the MJLJ is disconnected? If so, then your problem is in the EDIS installation- Look to sensor bracket rigidity and alignment (sensor to tooth gap)

In summary- I would hold-off upgrading the firmware for now, while it has some neat new features, I doubt it will help solve your immediate problems.

(Edit: It may still be possible that the V2.x controllers would benefit from the same type of noise filtering the V3's received. But, these problems were observed (so far) only on V3 MJLJ's....)


Regards,

[Nigecapri]

Hi Brent,
Thanks for that.
I'm still trying to suss out the computing side of things but hope to plug into the unit sometime today. I have a 1.4 mm gap from sensor to triggerwheel. Bracket is as rigid as I'll get & much stronger than the previous item that came with the kit from previous owner. I'll persevere with it untill midnight then refit the old dizzy if needed.

[Nigecapri]

Hi Brent,
Thanks for that.
I'm still trying to suss out the computing side of things but hope to plug into the unit sometime today. I have a 1.4 mm gap from sensor to triggerwheel. Bracket is as rigid as I'll get & much stronger than the previous item that came with the kit from previous owner. I'll persevere with it untill midnight then refit the old dizzy if needed.

[Nigecapri]

Hi Brent,
Thanks for that.
I'm still trying to suss out the computing side of things but hope to plug into the unit sometime today. I have a 1.4 mm gap from sensor to triggerwheel. Bracket is as rigid as I'll get & much stronger than the previous item that came with the kit from previous owner. I'll persevere with it untill midnight then refit the old dizzy if needed.

[brentp]

You're welcome! Please report back with what you find- and once we've understood (and hopefully resolved) the problem, we can get you on the V2.8.0 firmware.

Regards,

[capri_turbo]

Hi Nige

Thought you had a V3 board... I take it that is Alan Wattam's old Jolt that he sold on to CMF?

I'd just stick it on and see what happens. I take it you now have the Capper running on the EDIS alone (no MJLJ) with a rock steady 10degrees.

To be honest, as Brent has already said, I wouldn't touch the firmware until you have got it all running as it is. I know Alan had it running pretty well, but I'm not sure what map he was using. From what I remember, Alan was running a map setup for TPS going by the maps he sent me... these are easy enough to convert once you know your max and min MAP values in KPA (read off with tuning software).

Let me know if you are taking it to Boggs and I'll try and meet up with you. I understand from your email that at the moment you are running with the MAP sensor unplugged. This will mean you are running in 2d.

I'm not up on the V2 firmare editions as I have the V3 so wasn't aware of the noise filtering being a V3 thing... sorry if I have confused things there.

I can email you my current map, but be aware that it is for my 2.1 screamer and may not suit a more standard engine, and I'm still tweeking it here and there, but since I upgraded the firmware, I can't use the old laptop that I was using as I can't physically get the latest tuner onto it and the battery is now kaput.

Just shout if you need any help.